I’ve been going to I’ve been going to Waldameer for nearly 20 years, and during that time the only roller coaster there for many of those years was the Comet.

Ah, the Comet.

If you’ve never taken a ride on the Comet – it’s a wooden coaster that’s been going since 1951. The hills are small and the turns aren’t terribly fast, but it was ours and we loved it. Dave puts it well:

The Comet produces thrills not because it is fast (you could probably jump out of the car while in motion and out run it,) but it is so old you’re afraid it is going to crumble around you.

I remember many a school picnic spent jumping off the Paratrooper and running right up the entry ramp of the Comet, and then right back to the Paratrooper. I can remember finally being allowed to ride by myself, in the very last car of course, and I remember taking my son on it, finally, last year.

As time ticked by, I grew up. I moved away for school. I went to parks like Kennywood and Cedar Point where I rode coasters that let your feet dangle, rolled you over and over, looped you around and even one that was the tallest and fastest in the world at the time. We’d come back to Waldameer for the odd shop picnic or gathering, and everything seemed so, I don’t know, small.

Much like I’ve done over the years, Waldameer has grown up too. Look at all the new rides put in place over the last 7 or 8 years: the log ride, the XScream tower, the Ali-Baba, the Steel Dragon, and a bunch of kiddie rides. Now, we look forward to going and taking our boys every chance we get.

This year, we’ve got added incentive to make the trip: the Ravine Flyer II.

We’ve been hearing about this ride for what seems like centuries. As kids, we’d imagine how awesome it would be for a roller coaster to cross the busy Peninsula Drive, and finally, many years and millions of dollars later, it’s open and ready for riders.

Even though the day was cold and rainy, we bundled up and headed to the park. By the time we got to Waldameer, the rain let up and the sun even peeked out a little bit. Jenny and I took turns riding the coaster and watching the boys.

I went second, and after paying my entry fee (most of which benefitted the Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), I walked up the ramp and got right on the ride. I even got to sit by myself.

As the train left the station, I remembered to take off my hat and sit on it.

The ride up the first hill went by quickly as the clickety-clack of the chain guided us to the tallest point on the coaster. For the two or three seconds before you start your descent, you’re treated to an amazing view of Lake Erie and Presque Isle. Just as you get your bearings, you’re shot down the hill and in a blink you’re across Peninsula Drive.

The rest of the ride is a blur of twists and turns, hills and tunnels. There was much screaming, though I sat quietly with a smile on my face.

Before you know it you’re back in the station, wishing they’d just, once, not stop the train and let everyone ride again.

This is a serious coaster, and the best ride at Waldameer, hands down. The videos we’ve shown of computer models or the recent video of an actual ride don’t do the Ravine Flyer II justice. You need to get to the park this weekend and ride it. Then, take a breather and ride it again.

Waldameer, if you’re reading this, thank you.

Thank you for finally building this. You’ve ensured that Waldameer will be a tourist draw for many years to come. With the money people spend, you could also start to plan your next ride – maybe even a replacement coaster for the Comet. The people that come and spend money at Waldameer also spend money at restaurants, hotels, Peach Street and so on. Thank you for doing this without government help, even though you could have.

Also, Waldameer, if you find a tan Adidas hat somewhere along the tracks, that’s mine. On one of the hills, I lifted out of my seat and my hat snuck out. I saw it float by my head, in slow motion, and tried to grab it but it quickly blew away. I liked that hat and would like it back.